What is the Turkey Hokey Pokey, Exactly?
The aroma of roasted turkey, the warmth of family gathered, and the joyous anticipation of a delicious feast – Thanksgiving is a tapestry woven with treasured traditions. But sometimes, after the plates are cleared and the tryptophan starts to take hold, a little jolt of energy is just what everyone needs. And what better way to shake off the post-dinner slump than with the Turkey Hokey Pokey, a delightfully silly and engaging dance that’s perfect for all ages?
The Turkey Hokey Pokey is, at its heart, a Thanksgiving-themed twist on the classic Hokey Pokey. It’s a celebration of fun, a promoter of family togetherness, and a guaranteed source of laughter. This article dives into the heart of this delightful dance, explaining its origins (if any), its simple charm, how to play, and why it’s the ideal addition to your Thanksgiving festivities. It’s more than just a dance; it’s an experience that builds memories and strengthens the bonds of family and friendship.
Now, let’s put our left wing in… and then put our left wing out!
The history of the Turkey Hokey Pokey isn’t necessarily etched in stone. Unlike some traditional dances, its precise origins are a bit hazy, making it all the more fun. It’s likely a modern adaptation that has organically grown over time, spreading from family gatherings to community events, all united by the spirit of Thanksgiving. Its roots are clearly planted in the globally popular Hokey Pokey, which has been bringing people together for generations.
The core concept of the Turkey Hokey Pokey is wonderfully simple. It takes the basic framework of the Hokey Pokey – the specific actions of putting a body part “in,” then putting that same body part “out,” and then, crucially, shaking it all about – and adapts the lyrics to reflect the Thanksgiving theme. Instead of putting your “right hand in” or your “left foot out,” you put your “left wing in” or your “turkey tail out.” The focus shifts from generic body parts to those specific to our feathered friend, the turkey, and perhaps other related holiday symbols like gravy.
This adaptation is incredibly clever. It transforms a well-known dance into something uniquely suited for the Thanksgiving holiday, creating an immediate connection between the activity and the celebration. The change in vocabulary, from “hand” and “foot” to “wing” and “tail,” is naturally humorous, which, as every parent knows, is always good for engaging children. The familiarity of the Hokey Pokey makes the Turkey version easily accessible for all, regardless of age or dance experience.
Here are some examples of the altered lyrics:
- You put your left wing in…
- You put your left wing out…
- You put your right wing in…
- You put your right wing out…
- You put your turkey tail in…
- You put your turkey tail out…
- You put your waddle in…
- You put your waddle out…
- You do the Turkey Hokey Pokey…
- And you turn yourself about…
- Waddle, waddle, waddle in…
- Waddle, waddle, waddle out…
- That’s what it’s all about!
Why the Turkey Hokey Pokey is a Delight
The beauty of the Turkey Hokey Pokey lies in its ability to bring people together. It’s a truly universal activity, meaning that virtually anyone can participate. The steps are simple, the moves are silly, and the focus is entirely on having fun. This accessibility makes it perfect for families and groups that include children, teenagers, and adults of various ages and abilities. The Turkey Hokey Pokey makes it easy to join in, whether one is a seasoned dancer or has two left feet!
The simplicity of the Turkey Hokey Pokey is another key factor in its appeal. There’s no need to memorize complex choreography or spend hours practicing. The basic rhythm and steps are instantly recognizable, making it easy for everyone to jump in and participate without feeling self-conscious or awkward. The simple nature of the dance fosters a relaxed and playful atmosphere. This ease of entry is especially important for making it accessible to younger children, who may not yet be confident in complex dance routines.
Beyond the fun of the dance itself, the Turkey Hokey Pokey is an excellent way to promote family bonding. Dancing together, laughing together, and making silly mistakes together create shared memories that will be treasured for years to come. The shared experience of the Turkey Hokey Pokey creates a sense of unity and strengthens the bonds between family members. It’s a shared experience that goes beyond just having fun; it is, at its essence, about spending quality time together.
Let’s also not overlook the physical benefits! Thanksgiving feasts are often associated with overeating, leading to that pleasantly stuffed feeling. But the Turkey Hokey Pokey provides a light, enjoyable form of exercise. It gets everyone moving, circulating blood, and combating any potential drowsiness that might settle in after a big meal. It’s a fun way to inject some energy into the day.
How to Play the Turkey Hokey Pokey
Playing the Turkey Hokey Pokey is easier than cooking a pumpkin pie.
First, you need no materials, just a group of willing participants who are in the mood for some fun. It’s best to have a relatively open space so people can freely move around without bumping into furniture or each other. A living room, a dining room, or even a backyard, weather permitting, will work perfectly. It’s important to have some open space, so if you have a bigger family, you may need to take the fun outdoors.
The steps are as follows:
- Left Wing In: Step to the left, swinging your left arm forward as if it’s a turkey wing.
- Left Wing Out: Step to the right, swinging your left arm back out and away from your body.
- Right Wing In: Step to the right, swinging your right arm forward.
- Right Wing Out: Step to the left, swinging your right arm back out.
- Turkey Tail In: Pretend you are holding the tail of a turkey.
- Turkey Tail Out: Then, you extend your arms to either side and give a wiggle, simulating the tail.
- Waddle, Waddle, Waddle In: Waddle forward like a turkey.
- Waddle, Waddle, Waddle Out: Waddle backwards like a turkey.
- You do the Turkey Hokey Pokey: Step forward, and pump your arms in the air.
- And you turn yourself about: Spin around in a circle.
Tips and Variations
Enhance the experience by playing the classic Hokey Pokey song, or search online for a Turkey Hokey Pokey version. The music provides the rhythmic foundation for the dance, and helps to unify the movements of all the participants.
Encourage everyone to embrace their inner turkey! Add silly actions like gobbling or flapping their arms like wings, and emphasize the waddle to add to the fun. Let the silliness loose; the more fun, the better! Make it as entertaining as possible!
Remember that the goal is to have fun. Encourage everyone to let loose, relax, and enjoy the moment. The focus should be on laughter, connection, and creating positive memories. Do not be afraid to make mistakes and laugh with your family!
Incorporating the Dance into Your Thanksgiving
The Turkey Hokey Pokey is easily adaptable to fit any Thanksgiving celebration.
There’s no single “best” time, as it depends on the flow of your day. It’s great for getting everyone energized before dinner, giving the younger crowd a break from sitting still during the preparation phase. Alternatively, the dance can act as a fun interlude between courses, a chance to burn off some of that holiday energy and make room for dessert. Or perhaps it’s just the perfect post-meal activity to fight the food coma and wake everyone up.
The beauty of the Turkey Hokey Pokey is that it welcomes everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned dancer or have never danced before. The most important factor is the willingness to participate and have fun. The whole point is to create lasting memories!
Make the Turkey Hokey Pokey a new family tradition. The repetition and familiarity will build anticipation each year and deepen the sense of togetherness associated with Thanksgiving. The consistency of the Turkey Hokey Pokey will help to reinforce your family’s special bond. It’s an enjoyable way to create an unbroken chain of Thanksgiving celebrations.
Keep in mind the importance of making a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Encourage participation and provide a space where everyone feels comfortable being silly. Ensure that the music is playing, and the mood is light. When there are smiles, the fun will never cease!
Final Thoughts
The Turkey Hokey Pokey is more than just a dance; it is a recipe for Thanksgiving fun. It’s a perfect way to create laughter, promote family bonding, and burn off some of those extra calories. It’s a simple activity with a big impact, bringing smiles to faces of all ages. It’s a great way to give a light-hearted lift to your Thanksgiving.
So this Thanksgiving, gather your family, crank up the music, and get ready to put your left wing in. Make sure you’re ready to dance and laugh together. This year, make it a Thanksgiving to remember!
